The warning comes amid growing concern over the increasing number of attacks on police officers while they carry out their duties to protect communities and combat crime.

Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of all law enforcement officials, stating that violence directed at police officers undermines the country’s justice system and threatens public safety.

Authorities stressed that those responsible for such attacks will be pursued, arrested and prosecuted without fear or favour. Government also called on communities to work closely with law enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activities and supporting efforts to maintain peace and security.

Officials reiterated that police officers risk their lives daily to protect citizens, and any acts of violence against them will not be tolerated. The government urged all South Africans to respect and cooperate with law enforcement personnel as they continue their efforts to fight crime and uphold the rule of law.

The young calf, left vulnerable and alone following the death of its mother, was located after an intensive search by wildlife authorities and conservation personnel. Despite its fragile condition, the orphaned rhino was safely rescued and is now receiving specialist care.

Conservationists say the calf’s survival is a significant victory, as young rhinos are heavily dependent on their mothers during the first months of life. Without intervention, the calf’s chances of survival in the wild would have been extremely slim.

The rescue highlights the ongoing threat posed to South Africa’s rhino population, with poaching and other human-related activities continuing to endanger one of the country’s most iconic species.

The calf will remain under close observation while wildlife experts provide the care and rehabilitation needed to give it the best possible chance of survival before any future plans for its release can be considered.

Department officials, together with the project team, recently conducted a site visit to assess progress, address implementation matters, and ensure the necessary measures are in place to support the continuation of construction.

Once completed, the new 365-bed regional hospital is expected to significantly improve access to quality healthcare services in the region. The project is being developed in phases over several years and will include modern clinical and non-clinical facilities, supported by extensive engineering infrastructure and external works.

The department has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the hospital as a key investment in strengthening Mpumalanga’s public healthcare system.

The accused, Sbusiso Morake, faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of a prohibited firearm.

The court postponed the matter to 30 July 2026 to allow Morake time to secure legal representation. He remains in custody.

Police have described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in the area. Investigators are now conducting forensic examinations on the recovered firearms to establish whether they were used in other serious crimes committed within the Calcutta policing precinct.

Morake was arrested during a coordinated operation involving Crime Intelligence and national police resources deployed to the area as part of ongoing efforts to remove illegal firearms from communities and bring those linked to violent crime to justice.

The agreement also includes all of TS Galaxy’s home cup fixtures, strengthening the club’s presence in Mpumalanga and reaffirming Mbombela Stadium as one of South Africa’s premier football venues.

Speaking on behalf of TS Galaxy, Executive Chairman Tim Sukazi welcomed the partnership, while Wiseman Khumalo, Municipal Manager of the City of Mbombela, highlighted the municipality’s commitment to supporting football and community development.

The partnership is expected to bring several benefits to the region, including:

• Increased football action for supporters in Mpumalanga.
• Greater economic opportunities for local businesses through matchday activities.
• Job creation and business spin-offs linked to sporting events.
• A renewed commitment to the growth and development of football in the region.

Both TS Galaxy and the City of Mbombela believe the agreement marks an important step in strengthening the relationship between the club and the municipality while positioning Mbombela Stadium as a key venue for top-flight football.

Fans can now look forward to watching at least 10 Betway Premiership home matches, as well as all home cup fixtures, at Mbombela Stadium during the new season.

According to Mpumalanga police, members of the Middelburg Flying Squad were conducting routine patrols at around 23:45 on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, when they stopped a suspicious silver Toyota Etios with Mpumalanga registration plates.

During a search of the vehicle, officers found two rhino horns hidden beneath a black jacket, along with two hunting rifles and several rounds of ammunition.

The two occupants were immediately arrested and are expected to appear before the Witbank Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of rhino horns, as well as possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Police have not yet released the identities of the suspects, and investigations are continuing.

The initiative was organised by iSecure Security in partnership with River Creek Marloth Park and Nyati Safari Bush Camp to honour the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela by encouraging community members to save lives through blood donation.

iSecure marketing executive Michelle Oosthuizen said the campaign was inspired by Mandela’s belief that everyone has the power to make a difference. She highlighted that a single blood donation can help save up to three lives.

This year’s event marked the third consecutive annual blood drive, while Oosthuizen celebrated her 50th personal blood donation. The organisers chose to hold the event a day before Mandela Day to maximise public participation.

Among the donors were Luan and Chloe van Dyk, with Luan crediting his wife for motivating him to donate. Oosthuizen thanked the volunteers who helped make the event a success, including Jaco Nagel, Braam Oosthuizen, Stephan Coetzer and Gerhard Oosthuizen.

Provincial Community Safety, Security and Liaison Department spokesperson Moeti Mmusi says a minibus with a trailer was travelling towards Mbombela when it lost control and crashed into the truck on Thursday morning.

The other minibus, which was travelling to Johannesburg, also collided with the truck.

The affected part of the road has been closed.

Climate experts say the country is likely to experience above-normal temperatures, with a higher risk of heatwaves during the summer months.

Temperatures are expected to range between 35°C and 45°C across many parts of the country, while Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West could see temperatures approaching 50°C.

Experts say this El Niño event could be one of the strongest recorded since 1950, raising concerns about extreme heat, water shortages and increased wildfire risks.

The arrest was made on Wednesday evening, 22 July 2026, following an intelligence-driven operation involving Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team, K9 Unit, Public Order Policing and other SAPS units. Acting on information, officers searched the suspect’s home and recovered an automatic rifle, a pistol with filed-off serial numbers, and live ammunition.

The suspect was charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Police said the recovered weapons will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they were used in previous crimes, while investigators will also establish whether the suspect is linked to other criminal cases.

Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi praised the officers for the successful operation, describing the seizure as a significant breakthrough in the fight against violent crime in Calcutta and surrounding communities.

In a separate incident on the same night, police opened a murder case after a man was found shot dead inside a vehicle in Marite. Investigators are working to determine whether the recovered firearms are linked to the killing.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 24 July 2026.